FAQs

Commonly asked questions about Planitherm

We’re here to help

If you have questions about Planitherm glass and how it can help maximise comfort in your home, start by checking these common questions and answers - the solution may be there. If you still need some help, please contact us or speak to an installer.

When it comes to replacing your windows, the glass really does make a difference.Glass will typically make up 70% of your window and is at the heart of controlling the flow of natural light, the level of safety and security, of heat retention and even the level of furniture fade protection.Choosing the right glass for your home will have a huge impact on the performance of your windows, so it’s important to get it right.Government Building Regulations require us to use energy efﬁcient products that help to reduce CO2 emissions and protect the environment. Planitherm is the UK’s leading energy efﬁcient glass and our full range can be incorporated into any style of window frame. Using Planitherm Comfort glazing is an easy and efﬁcient way of complying with these regulations whilst offering a number of other beneﬁts. Click here to find out more

Yes. The coating is permanent, invisible and hermetically sealed within the glass unit so will last the lifetime of the window. For product options that include a laminated layer, the layer is permanently adhered between two panes of glass.

Yes, all Planitherm Comfort glazing options can be included in any size of double glazed window unit and used with all popular frame materials and types, including UPVC, wood and aluminium. Members of the Planitherm Network are installers who can provide you with comprehensive advice and installation expertise.

The Planitherm coating is generally positioned on face 3 of a double glazed unit, though it is possible to place the coating on face 2 without affecting the U-value. The coating must always face the cavity to protect it from the external atmosphere.

The glass has a microscopic, transparent metallic coating that allows heat from the sun to pass through the glass to warm the room, and reduces the amount of heat which escapes through the windows. This means it takes less energy to maintain a warm, comfortable home.

Planitherm has been designed to provide homeowners with warmer more comfortable homes and improve energy efficiency. It has excellent thermal insulation whilst maximising the amount of warmth absorbed from natural daylight, saving you money on your heating bills. The actual amount of natural solar heating allowed through your windows will vary depending on their orientation, size and the geographical location of your home. The Comfort Plus package is designed to reduce overheating, which is particularly useful for large glazed areas such as bi-fold or patio doors, and for South and West facing rooms with sunny aspects.

Condensation on the outer pane is a common occurrence, particularly at certain times of the year. Energy efficient windows (such as those including Planitherm glass) help to capture heat from outside and reflect the heat back into the room. Therefore it is an unavoidable consequence that the outer pane of glass is cooler than it would have previously been with less efficient or older-style double glazing. You will now note that your windows with Planitherm have helped to eliminate any condensation you had on the inner pane, due to your inner pane now being warmer than it may have been with your older windows.

Of course older-style double glazing offers a limited level of heat retention. However, Building Regulations now state that replacement windows must be energy efficient. The Planitherm Comfort Glazing options are over 50% more energy efficient than older-style, non-coated double glazing.

By switching from older-style, non-coated double glazing to one of the new Planitherm Comfort glazing options, you can benefit from; over 50% improved energy efficiency, enhanced security, up to a 20% reduction in noise, furniture fade protection and a reduction in overheating for large glazed areas, with the Comfort Plus option blocking out 50% of external heat from the sun.

A Window Energy Rating (WER) is a system for demonstrating the energy efficiency of a window, ranging from A++ to E. A window’s rating is determined by the amount of heat loss, solar heat gain and air leakage of the assembly.

It’s important to remember that Window Energy Ratings are just one element of buying new windows and that our modern glazing options can contribute so much to the comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking for warmth, enhanced security, noise reduction, furniture fade protection, or to enjoy a sun-filled room without overheating, you can find the perfect glass option for you within the Planitherm range.

Unfortunately we are unable to brand or watermark the glass with Saint-Gobain or Planitherm due to the large sheet format of manufacture. To gain reassurance that the glass you have been supplied is Planitherm, ask your installer for a copy invoice or delivery note from their supplier clearly stating the Planitherm brand name. You can then use this information to follow the supply chain back to Saint-Gobain Building Glass

The installers listed on the Planitherm Network have joined a voluntary scheme requiring installers to self-register. If your installer is not on the installer search they may still be installing Planitherm. Ask them to supply a copy invoice or delivery note from their supplier that states the glass supplied is from Saint-Gobain Building Glass. You can then use this information to follow the supply chain back to the manufacturer.

Planitherm glass, and each of the Comfort glazing options, is available to buy via window companies across the UK. Look for members of the Planitherm Network – installers who can provide you with comprehensive advice and installation expertise.

No, installers who use Planitherm can register on the Planitherm Network and have met our Network membership requirements. However, we do not guarantee their work and any queries or issues with your windows should be directed to your installer.